ON Monday, I read that the Bruno Manser Fund, which had highlighted the abuse of the Penan women, had not been contacted by the police investigating the case ("We didn't hear from cops over sex probe, says fund" -- NST, Nov 17).

This news, though very disturbing, was not unexpected. Unfortunately, the fears I had that investigations would lead to little or no progress have been proven true.

The Penan communities are isolated and small. Serious retributions may await them were it known that some complaint has been made to the police or relevant authorities. It is crucial that confidentiality and protection for the complainant(s) and their communities be maintained, if they are to come forward.

It is baffling that the police had not contacted the originator of these allegations. At best, it would have quashed any doubt or suspicion; at worst it would have dispelled any rumour that some quarters meant to paint the country in a bad light.

Was the reason the BMF was not contacted was that it gave the general impression that the police had failed to protect these communities? Or was it a case of false pride, that the police thought it beneath them to contact an organisation which in the past caused the state much trouble?
If that were the case, then it could be said the police are failing this community twice. First, for not enforcing the law and second, for not following up on the allegations in a precise, detailed and professional manner.

Maybe now is the time the police act with more responsibility. These people probably suspect some form of complicity between the police and the logging companies. We must not fail them again.